NFL Wild Card Weekend is well underway and I’m 2-0 on my picks so far! How did you fair with the NFL Saturday Games? Mark Sanchez did a great job leading his team to a 24-14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cowboys finally broke their 13 year playoff draught in their win over rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, let the Sunday Funday begin! The young Baltimore Ravens are taking on the elite Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals are looking to shut down the Packers quickly in hopes of making another Super Bowl run.

• My Picks
• Game Day Recipes

  • Ravens v. Patriots
  • Cardinals v. Packers
    

Sunday

1:00 p.m. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) vs. New England Patriots (10-6)

My Pick: The Ravens

This was a really tough call for me. I am usually partial to all things New England: Red Sox, Celtics, Pats, Cape Cod, Rhode Island, little neck clams, clam chowdah, apple picking…. you get the idea. But lately I’ve been a big Baltimore fan as well. And last year I was Go Ravens for most of the post season. Plus, @extremejohn hates the Pats, so, in sticking with my ulterior motives from the Jets matchup, it’s prob in my best interest to root against them. hehe…..

But I actually have real stats and stuff to back up my decision! The Patriots aren’t looking so good this week. QB Tom Brady is hurt. He is playing today but he is definitely banged up after last week’s injury against the Houston Texans. And, star wide receiver Wes Welker was injured in the game and he is not playing this week which could be disasterous for the Patriots offense. The Brady-Welker combo is a very powerful force and without it, I’m not sure New England is really even an NFL level team…..

I’d really like to see the Ravens make another big playoff run this year.

4:40 p.m. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) vs. Green Bay Packers (11-5)

My Pick: The Cardinals

Yes, Green Bay kicked their ass last week. But whatever, we don’t talk about that. Kurt wasn’t playing! I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love me some Matt Leinart but he is definitely not the leading man of the team and it showed. And it really looked like the team was just playing low-key and conserving, protecting themselves against injury since they knew they would be playing the Packers again this week.

But I think the Cards are going to come out hard this week. They do not want to be knocked out of the playoffs this early. They want redemption from last year’s Super Bowl loss. And so do I. If they make it to the Super Bowl in Miami this year, I’ll sell everything I own including the cat for a ticket! Which is kinda stupid since they were in Tampa (45 min from me) last year and I didn’t go and Miami is 4 hours from me. But my love for Kurt and Larry has just grown so strong over the last year that I’m not sure I can stay away!

For this, I have absolutely no stats or sports analysis to back up my pick. It’s all heart and team loyalty!

Recipes

Baltimore Ravens (9-7) vs. New England Patriots (10-6)

PREGAME

Baltimore Ravens

THE RAVENS
The Raven is a dark and mysterious cocktail that I’ve adapted from other recipes. I like this one because it contains ingredients that are more common in bars than those found in other Ravens. The key to this drink is the layer which is rather easy to obtain in this mix as the blue shaken mix is much lighter than the Chambord and they rarely break the layers unless stirred.
Ingredients:

* 1 oz vodka
* 1 oz rum
* 1 oz blue curacao
* 1/2 oz Chambord

Preparation:

1. Pour the vodka, rum and blue curacao into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Slowly pour the Chambord over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on top.

New England Patriots

Cranberry Almond Kicker
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup amaretto
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice*
Ice cubes
Clementines, peeled, separated into segments (optional)

1. Mix cranberry juice, vodka, amaretto, and orange juice in pitcher.
2. Cover and chill until ready to serve. It can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.
3. To make 2 drinks, fill cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour in scant 1 cup vodka mixture.
4. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain into 2 Martini glasses. Garnish each with clementine segment, if desired. Repeat 3 times with ice cubes, remaining vodka mixture, and clementine segments.

Makes 8 cocktails.

*I used 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice because I liked the tartness it added to the cocktail.

1st QUARTER

Hot & Spicy Crab Dip

You can’t have a Baltimore party without featuring the city’s stable ingredient: Crab! This is by far my most favorite dip recipe of all time. My friend Brenda introduced me to it years ago and I’ve been serving it ever since to the delight of all my friends. It’s my most requested “oooh please make this” recipe whenever I’m going to a party or when friends are just stopping by. It’s absolutely delicious and super, super easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 8oz package of Cream Cheese, softened
• 
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesean Cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or apple juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard (dry)
• 1 clove garlic, finally chopped (I use a heaping teaspoon of minced garlic)
• 1 6oz can Crabmeat, drained
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese.
• Cayenne pepper. (I don’t specify amount because it depends on your heat level. I use about a tablespoon. Keep in mind though as it bakes, the fire comes out)

Favorite crackers and veggies. **I love it with Triscuits (Quattro Formaggio and Parmesean)

—————————————————

The Steps:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients except for crabmeat and shredded cheese into a bowl.
3. Fold the crabmeat in.
4. Spread mixture in ungreased pie plate (I use an 8inch round Pyrex because that’s what Brenda always used and I’m not good at change).
5. Top with shredded cheese and a few shakes of Parm cheese. Add a few of the green onions for decoration.
6. Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes. Dip will be hot and bubbly and the cheese will be browning.
7. Make sure to wait a few minutes before digging in—I know it’s hard to resist—but it takes a few minutes to settle. It will be a bit soupy at first.

2nd QUARTER

Old Bay Wings Old Bay seasoning isn’t just for crabs anymore! Adding this seasoning to chicken wings brought the classic tailgating food to a whole new place! Get the Recipe

• 1 large package Tyson chicken wings
• 1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
• 2 tablespoons Onion Powder
• 1 stick butter
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• Frank’s Hot Sauce

How To Prepare: Fill large pot 3/4 full with cold water, add Old Bay seasoning, bay leaves, garlic powder and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
Carefully (don’t splash!) add the chicken wings one at a time. Simmer for 1 hour.

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Line baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Melt butter in small pan over low heat. Add chili powder and chili oil, mix and set aside.
• Remove wings from pot; shake off excess liquid. Spread out evenly on lined baking sheet. Brush with butter mixture, then turn over and brush other side. Shake some Frank’s Hot Sauce on each wing to taste.
  Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown.

HALFTIME

Baltimore Ravens Crabcake Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 pound(s)  crabmeat
• * 1  egg, lightly beaten
• * 1/2 cup(s) panko breadcrumbs, (see Note)
• * 1/4 cup(s) light mayonnaise
• * 2 tablespoon(s) minced chives
• * 1 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard
• * 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
• * 1 teaspoon(s) celery seed
• * 1 teaspoon(s) onion powder
• * 1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• * 4 dash(es) hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or to taste
• * 1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• * 2 teaspoon(s) unsalted butter

Directions

1. Mix crab, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chives, mustard, lemon juice, celery seed, onion powder, pepper and hot sauce in a large bowl. Form into 6 patties.
2. Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the butter stops foaming. Cook the patties until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.

The New England Patriots “Best Burger Ever”

I found this burger recipe called “The Best Burger Recipe Ever” and I thought that it would be the perfect burger for the Patriots since many consider them to be the best NFL team ever….. (I know, cocky words. But Pats fans are kinda like Yankees fans, they don’t just think they are the best, they know they are the best) But beyond the boastful claim, this burger also features Sam Adams beer, a New England tradition for years.

• 1lb of Ground Beef  (Must be PRIME Grade A)  The quality of the beef could be the most important factor.  Spend the money, you will not regret it.
• 1 minced onion (I like the pieces to be a little thicker)
• 2 teaspoons of garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of tabasco sauce
• 1 quick pour of  Sam Adams Beer
• 2 tablespoons of Honey Mustard
• 2 egg yolkes
• dash of salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients up with your hands.  Shape into thick large oval burgers.  Cook on Grill until temperature reaches medium.  Top with Cheddar cheese and melt breifly.

3rd QUARTER

Crab Chowdah The perfect recipe for either team! Maryland is famous for their crab and New England is famous for their Chowdahs! Get the Recipe!

4th QUARTER

I can’t think of a better dessert for a Baltimore Ravens game than a Charm City Cake. Don’t know what that is? Check out Ace of Cakes on the Food Network! Unfortunately, Charm City Cakes are not open to the public for a walk-in or anything. And they are only in Baltimore so if you are a displaced Ravens fan like myself, you are out of luck. But you could make your own extreme cake yourself and pretend you are on the Charm City Team!

There are all sorts of football shaped or football stadium shaped pans to make cakes with. Or you can carve your own! The picture below is made using a Football Stadium Bundt Pan, which I think is super cool!

New England: I have two regional favorite recipes to share with you for New England, both of which I grew up on–at least every summer when we would head to Cape Cod. They are Indian Pudding and Grape Nuts Pudding. Yes, Grape Nuts like the cereal. My mother would be thrilled that I’m spreading those dishes on to you because loved both of them! And both recipes are very seasonal right now. Indian Pudding is hot, filling and has all the flavors of the season like nutmeg, molasses and cinnamon. And Grape Nuts Pudding is like a thick yummy custard!

Arizona Cardinals (10-6) vs. Green Bay Packers (11-5)

PREGAME

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Sunrise

* 1 1/2 oz 1800 Tequila
* 1/2 oz Rose’s lime juice
* 4 oz orange juice
* Grenadine

1. Pour grenadine over chilled glass–(if using glass with ice, make sure some settles at bottom of glass)
2. Add tequila, orange juice, and lime juice into shaker with ice & shake thoroughly.
3. Pour over ice and grenadine. Pretty!

Arizona Buttkicker

ok I’m not saying this sounds the most delicious, I just thought the name was hysterical. Especially when I read the ingredients.

* 1 oz strawberry wine
* 1 oz grapefruit soda

because anyone that’s ever drank a lot of strawberry wine knows it will totally kick your butt!

Green Bay Packers

Old Fashioned Wisconsin
* 3 oz brandy
* 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
* 1 tsp sugar
* dash of water
* lemon peel for garnish

Preparation:

1. Place the sugar cube at the bottom of an old-fashioned glass.
2. Saturate the cube with the water and bitters.
3. Muddle these ingredients.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Add the brandy.
6. Stir well.
7. Garnish with a lemon peel.

1st QUARTER

Green Bay: Sweet Potato Cheese Ball I’ve had nut-covered cheese balls. I’ve had potato balls. I’ve had sweet potatoes. But I’ve never had a sweet potato cheese ball before! Talk about a unique dip! It’s spicy, creamy sweet potatoes rolled up and smothered in pecans! This is the perfect dip for the football games Thanksgiving weekend! Get the Recipe!

Arizona: Jalapeno Popper Dip Spread Jalapeno poppers are probably my favorite guilty pleasure. Deep fried, oozing with hot cream cheese and big pops of bold heat…. my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I have some awesome recipes to make them at home but they are so obnoxious to make! But not anymore! Now you can get all the ooey-gooey spicy cheesey goodness of a popper, in a dip! This is so delicious, it had to be physically pried away from my hands because I did not want to share! Get the Recipe!

2nd QUARTER

Southwestern wings with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing: Baked, not fried and covered in a lush green chili BBQ sauce. Still not enough for you? Pair it with the Jalapeno Ranch Dressing. The biting jalapeno is mellowed by the ranch, yet seriously brings out the flavor of the wings. Delish!  Get the Recipe

Wisconsin Cheese Wings: These decadent wings are rolled in a cheese-cracker mixture to create a super-yummy crunchy piece o’ chicken.  Get the Recipe!

HALFTIME

Arizona Cardinals Burger

• 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
• ¾ cup good-quality commercial brand of tomato-chili salsa, well drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup grated cheddar or Monteray Jack cheese

Tomato Coleslaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 18 cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup diced cucumber
• 2 teaspoons minced onion
• ¼ cup mayonnaise/salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons French salad dressing
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Dash pepper

Combine the cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber and mixed onion. Chill. Blend together the mayonnaise, French salad dressing, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper and chill. Just before serving, toss mayonnaise mixture lightly with cabbage mixture.
Green Bay Beer Cheese Packed Brat burgers These burgers put a big-time, game day, gourmet twist on traditional beer-soaked brats found at many tailgating parties.

• 1/2 cup plus 4 Tablespoons German Pilsner beer, divided
• 1/4 cup smooth Dijon mustard
• 2 Tablespoons pure dark amber maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 small yellow onion
• 12 ounces jarred roasted red peppers, well drained
• 14 ounces sweet Bavarian style sauerkraut with caraway seeds, well drained
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh pork Bratwurst sausages, casings removed
• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 1 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/3 cup finely diced white onion
• 1/4 cup finely crushed pretzels
• 2/3 cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 6 soft Kaiser rolls, split
• 1/2 cup melted butter

These are a bit labor intensive to do but worth it! Check out the preparations

3rd QUARTER

Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup True, this a recipe that is all about Go Packers! but the recipe calls for cayenne pepper so throw in a bunch more to give it a spicy southwestern kick! But much like the wing recipe above, you can’t go wrong with a recipe that has beer and cheese in it! And this is rich and creamy and delicious!

4th QUARTER

Chocolate Football Bites

• 4 cups Post cocoa pebbles cereal
• 6 squares baker’s semisweet baking chocolate
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• White decorating gel

Place cereal in large bowl. Microwave chocolate, corn syrup and butter in large microwavable bowl on high 2-1/2 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal; mix well. Shape into 3-inch long football shapes, using slightly moistened hands. Place on waxed paper; cool completely. Use decorating gel to add lacings to footballs.

About the author: Jennifer Taglione is the owner of this fabulous website Stiletto Sports. Despite writing well over 500 posts, she still maintains that she is not a sports writer! She is however a huge fan of Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Sanchez, the Celtics, and totally kicks butt on March Madness brackets! Connect with her by following her on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ and subscribing to her weekly newsletter. For more info check out the About the Editor page!

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